Dubai’s culinary landscape has undergone remarkable transformation in recent years. Once known primarily for luxury hotels and traditional Emirati cuisine, the city is now filled with a diversity of exceptional restaurants. This culinary revolution is reflected in the Dubai Michelin Guide, which recognizes a growing number of outstanding establishments. Earning a Michelin star is the ultimate recognition for a restaurant. Considered the “Oscars of the food world,” the Michelin Guide carefully evaluates restaurants based on factors such as quality of ingredients, mastery of technique and consistency in delivering an exceptional dining experience.
Recently, the glittering lights of Dubai’s One&Only One Zabeel played host to a momentous occasion on July 5, 2024 – the unveiling of the third edition of the Dubai Michelin Guide in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This year, however, the spotlight was particularly bright for Indian cuisine. The evening began with a flurry of activities. Renowned chefs, restaurateurs and foodies from Dubai’s diverse culinary landscape gathered for this much-awaited event. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as guests met each other and shared stories during the early registration and meet and greet sessions.
Michelin unveiled its highly coveted awards at the start of the ceremony. The 2024 edition featured an impressive list of 106 restaurants, serving over 35 international cuisines. A total of eleven Indian restaurants secured their place in the Michelin Guide selection.
Tresind Studio receives 2 Michelin stars
Four restaurants emerged victorious, receiving the coveted two-star Michelin honour. Among them was a familiar name – Tresind Studio, helmed by visionary chef Himanshu Saini. Located in the St. Regis Gardens, this modern Indian fine dining restaurant retained its two Michelin stars, much to the delight of foodies. Tresind Studio’s innovative take on Indian cuisine, presented in an elegant setting, has received widespread acclaim, cementing its position in the culinary arena.
Avatara regains a Michelin star
Indian cuisine was truly celebrated on the night, with two of the four restaurants joining the prestigious one-star Michelin club. Avatara, Dubai’s first and only all-vegetarian fine-dining Indian restaurant led by Chef Rahul Rana, retained its Michelin star, reflecting its commitment to showcasing the potential of plant-based gastronomy.
Other notable additions include Orfali Brothers, a popular bistro that has raised its status from Bib Gourmand to a Michelin-starred establishment.
In addition to the Michelin stars, the ceremony also honoured other exceptional restaurants with the Bib Gourmand award, recognising establishments that offer exceptional value for money.
Vineet’s ‘India’ remains in the Bib Gourmand list
Led by the ever-popular Chef Vineet Bhatia, Indya by Vineet reclaims its rightful place on this prestigious list. This poolside restaurant with colourful interiors and a large portrait of Lord Ganesha is the perfect place to enjoy authentic Indian flavours.
Reverly – Bib Gourmand listed
Joining the list this year is Revelry, a vibrant Indian tapas bar. This new bar impressed Michelin with its lively atmosphere and a superb range of contemporary Indian cuisine, expertly balancing tradition and modern ingenuity.
Michelin Guide Selection List:
The influence of the Michelin Guide extends beyond the stars. The “Michelin Selected” list includes promising restaurants that deserve recognition. This year, several Indian restaurants secured their place in this prestigious list, including Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, Bombay Bungalow, Carnival by Tresind, Indigo by Vineet, Little Miss India, Masti and TresindHis inclusion reflects his potential to climb the culinary ladder in the years to come.
Post-ceremony ceremonies:
The celebration reached its climax as the awards ceremony concluded. Congratulations and pride rang out at the premium cocktail reception. To make the experience even better, five guest chefs, four of whom were veterans of the 2023 Dubai edition, took to the culinary stage. Each chef presented a unique culinary interpretation reflecting themes such as diversity (Chef Mohamed Orfali), sustainability (Chef Masanori Ito), the future (Chef Thomas Allen), dedication (Chef Saverio Sbaragli) and innovation (Chef Anne-Sophie Pic).
The fun didn’t end there. The party spirit also carried over into a lively after-party held at Sphere on the 24th floor of One&Only One Za’beel. It was a fitting finale to a night that celebrated culinary excellence and the triumphant rise of Indian cuisine on the global stage.
Whether you are a Dubai resident or a foodie planning to visit, the 2024 Dubai Michelin Guide serves as a treasure map for gastronomic adventures. With a diverse selection of Indian restaurants recognised for their innovation, artistry and dedication to quality, Dubai is set to become a premier destination for all those seeking an unforgettable culinary experience that is not limited to Indian food.